Tobacco use and cessation strategies among individuals recently diagnosed with cancer

Smoking cessation following a cancer diagnosis is critical for improving prognosis. For this reason, substantial efforts have been made to increase tobacco treatment in cancer care settings. The purpose of the present study is to provide an up-to-date estimate of tobacco/nicotine product use (inclusive of non-combustible products such as e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches) and cessation strategy uptake among individuals recently diagnosed with cancer.

Data were derived from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, a large, nationally representative survey. Weighted frequencies estimated tobacco/nicotine product use (eg, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, oral pouches) and cessation strategy prevalence (eg, nicotine replacement therapies, prescription medications, e-cigarettes, oral pouches). Logistic regressions evaluated the associations between cancer diagnosis and cancer type (eg, tobacco related vs non-tobacco related cancers) on tobacco use and cessation strategy outcomes.

Individuals with cancer used tobacco/nicotine products at similar rates as those without cancer. Individuals with cancer were more likely to use evidence-based cessation strategies (eg, pharmacotherapy and counseling; Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.36 [95% CI, 1.30-4.27], P < .01), but appeared less likely to successfully quit (17.27% [5.42-29.13]) with cancer quit vs 31.16% [28.39-33.93] without cancer). Similarly, those with tobacco-related cancers appeared to have higher engagement with cessation strategies (11.90% [5.95-17.84]) than those with non-tobacco-related cancers (2.35% [0.74-3.95]).

Efforts to increase reach and access to evidence-based cessation support in cancer settings have been fruitful; however, more work is needed to improve treatment effectiveness. Continued monitoring of the use of non-combustible products is warranted.

Little is known about the contemporary prevalence of tobacco/nicotine product use and uptake of evidence-based and product substitution cessation strategies among individuals with cancer relative to those without cancer. Although they did not differ from non-cancer counterparts in terms of nicotine/tobacco use, individuals with cancer were more likely to use evidence-based cessation strategies, but appeared less likely to successfully quit. Non-cigarette product use was not a common smoking cessation strategy. Individuals with cancer are likely to seek evidence-based tobacco cessation support, but effectiveness could be improved.